Another busy weekend in Chicago with Riot Fest, Mexican Independence Day celebrations, as well as multiple festivals and concerts happening throughout the city. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, increased traffic and to plan accordingly. The City of Chicago will have citywide deployments to ensure the safety and security of the public. The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide and Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at select events citywide to direct flow and impacts from increased traffic.

Mexican Independence Day – Video PSA Celebrate Safely and Responsibly

Mexican Independence Day is a day of commemoration of culture and the City of Chicago encourages those celebrating to do so safely and responsibly. We remind those participating in events to be respectful of their neighbors and communities, as well as workers at critical facilities such as hospitals. They should also be mindful of first responders and emergency vehicles that are required to pass through areas where celebrations are occurring citywide. The City is taking the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all residents around Mexican Independence Day commemoration activities. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) have been preparing for the upcoming Mexican Independence Day celebrations. In addition to regular meetings to coordinate resources, CPD and OEMC will be working throughout the weekend to manage traffic and public safety and OEMC will activate the Emergency Operations Center to monitor events citywide. Car caravans that create a threat to public safety will not be tolerated. We also remind everyone that drag racing and drifting are not only illegal, but dangerous. Anyone in violation of the ordinance will be held accountable.

Report Suspicious Activity:  If You See Something, Say Something™ OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity – especially in large gatherings. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. Although the City has not received actionable threats, the Department of Homeland Security released an advisory on May 24, 2023 -  National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin. DHS emphasizes the continued heightened threat environment across the United States. It notes that “lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances continue to pose a persistent threat to the United States.”

Chicago OEMC App – Know Before You Go

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and festival goers are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website, Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Riot Fest – Douglas Park

Friday, September 15 – Sunday, September 17, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Riot Fest annual music festival takes place in Chicago’s Douglass Park, 1401 S Sacramento Drive. Musical acts perform on multiple stages throughout the grounds on Friday through Sunday at 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Public transportation is strongly encouraged.

The main entrance is located at Ogden and Sacramento. Event boundaries include S. Albany Ave., California Ave., 19^th Street, and Ogden Ave. Taxis, Limos, Ubers, Lyft, and other ride shares will drop off and stage on the north side of the Ogden Dr. inner drive, westbound between California and Sacramento. For complete details, visit RiotFest.org.

Karol G – Soldier Field

Friday, September 15, at 7 p.m.

Columbian global pop star Karol G will perform in Chicago as part of her 15-stop “Manana Sera Bonita” U.S. stadium tour. Parking lots open at 3 p.m. and gates open at 5 p.m. For complete details, visit SoldierField.com/events.

50 Cent, Busta Rhymes & Jeremiah – United Center

Saturday, September 16, 7 p.m.

For complete concert venue details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

White Sox v. Twins – Guaranteed Rate Field

Thursday, September 14, and Friday September 15 at 6:40 p.m., Saturday, September 16 at 6:10 and Sunday, September 17 at 1:10 p.m.

For complete details and what you need to know before you go, visit www.mlb.com/whitesox/ballpark

Mexican Independence Day Activities

Expect increased traffic due to celebratory activities through September 18. There are no planned street closures at this time, however, traffic may be diverted to control traffic flow if needed.

Celebración Grito de Independencia – Daley Plaza

Thursday, September 14, 4-7:45 p.m.

The event begins at 4 p.m. on Daley Plaza located at 50 West Washington.

2023 El Grito Family Run/Walk 5K – Little Village

Saturday, September 16, 10 a.m. – Noon

The annual El Grito 5K starts at the corner of 26^th St. and Kostner and proceeds to Kedzie Ave where participants turn and head back down 26^th St. to Manual Perez, Jr. Plaza. For details, visit ElGrito.enmotive.com/events.

26^th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade – Little Village

Saturday, September 16, Noon – 3 p.m.

The parade will continue its tradition by kicking-off from the historic Little Village Arch located on 26th Street and Albany Avenue and proceed down 26th Street to Kostner Avenue. For complete details, visit LittleVillageChamberofCommerce.org.

Annual Mexican Patriotic Parade – Commercial Avenue

Sunday, September 17, Step Off: 1 p.m. (Assembly begins at 10 a.m.)

The parade route will head south along Commercial Avenue from 87^th St. to 100^th St. and disband at 101^st St to 103^rd St.

Public Transportation: For all large events, public transportation is encouraged. Public transit is the most affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get to and from summertime events.

Weather and Public Safety:  OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download a weather app.

OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.

·         Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org

·         CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5

·         CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

Grant Park and Lakefront Poles Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, residents and visitors are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the light poles throughout the Grant Park area and along the lakefront. The green signs with white letters and numbers are also located from 5700 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive to 6600 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and on the lakefront from Oak Street to Fullerton and Montrose to Foster Avenue to help residents reference their location within the park to friends, family and first responders if there is an emergency and you call 9-1-1.

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).